In a small auditorium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Christopher Columbus and other colonial-era figures came under scrutiny recently in a lengthy debate punctuated by snickers, applause and outbursts. The government had asked residents of the diverse, twin-island nation in the eastern Caribbean if they supported the removal of statues, signs and monuments with colonial ties and how those spaces should be used instead.
With the launch – relaunch, actually – of Virgin Atlantic from Canada next May, company executives Simon Hawkins and Kathryn Stanley were in Toronto recently to talk about “everything and anything” regarding the colourful British carrier and its imminent, and much anticipated, return to this country.
A tourist visiting Canada is questioning the safety of Via Rail after he says his phone was snatched from him by an employee when he was documenting a train delay that left passengers stranded as they ran out of food, water and working toilets.
Starting Oct. 1, New Zealand will raise its visitor fees, nearly tripling the levy to NZ$100 from NZ$35 (about $84 Canadian). The move is designed to support public services (including tourism sites and facilities) and conservation, says the government, but critics claim it will discourage visitors
Cathay Pacific says maintenance activity on its A350 fleet is “progressing well” after being forced to cancel dozens of flights this week after an engine issue forced a Zurich-bound flight to return to an airport in Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, has scratched nearly 70 flights since Monday, though none from Canada.
Sunwing Vacations’ 2024-25 ‘Best of the Best List’ is an expansive, curated collection of more than 250 top-rated resorts across 50-plus categories combining travel expert recommendations, star ratings, and customer feedback, that travel advisors and their clients can lean on to make their vacation dreams a reality this winter.
Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet, and Elizabeth Becker, author of ‘Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism’ have been announced as keynote speakers for the second GX World Community Tourism Summit in Jaipur, India, on Sept. 27. The gala event, hosted by G Adventures and its non-profit partner, Planeterra, will also feature ‘90s dance act C+C Music Factory.
The evolution of traditional commission models is forcing travel agents to rethink their business strategies. As the industry grapples with increased demand and a shrinking workforce, agents find themselves under pressure to deliver exceptional service while navigating a complex financial landscape.
The towels are fine, bed not too mussed, and there’s rarely a chance to score a pillow chocolate anymore, so why trouble the staff? But are guests who decline housekeeping service actually helping the hotel, or the environment, or – as those charged with providing the service contend – unknowingly costing them their jobs, or overburdening the ones who remain?
Twenty handpicked Canadian travel advisors were recently hosted on an exclusive FAM to Peru by Transat. The trip was inspired by the tour company’s “Magical Peru” itinerary and showcased Air Transat’s direct flight from Toronto.
The WestJet Group has announced that Angela Avery has decided to retire from her role as Group Executive Vice-President and Chief People, Corporate & Sustainability Officer. A comprehensive executive search for her replacement is underway. To ensure a seamless transition, Avery will continue in her current role until a replacement is named and will stay on in an advisory capacity until early next year.
Bookings will open Sept. 12 for Disney Destiny, the new “heroes and villains” themed Disney Cruise Line ship that will launch from Port Everglades, Florida (Fort Lauderdale) in November 2025. Sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the Destiny will sail four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean, including visits to one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Air Canada got out ahead of its possible pilot strike later this month with a “goodwill” rebooking policy, while Flair introduced $1 fares. Also last week, US carriers officially further delayed flights to Israel, Royal Caribbean ordered new ships, and Globus introduced a new travel style and additions to its Canadian team. Read on for these items, and more.
North American carriers saw a 5.3% year-on-year increase in demand in July and capacity increased 6.3% year-on-year, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). At the same time, the load factor was 89.4 percent – virtually the same as last year and the highest among regions.
The Calgary Airport Authority says it will take at least a year and a half to fix part of its domestic terminal that was hammered by hail earlier this month. It says Concourse B will be closed while restoration work is done.
With wine season (Sept.-Oct.) set to be uncorked, Switzerland’s Grape Escapes program offers around 60 special accommodation options – from chic boutique hotels to simple Räbhüsli, and “birdboxes” to “bubble” stays – where everything is included. What they all have in common is a connection to wine and the vines.
A pack of four-legged therapists got a break of their own on Monday when they were honoured at the airport where they dutifully work to ease stress and calm travellers. The event at Philadelphia International Airport marked five years since the 23 members of the Wagging Tails Brigade began greeting people and serving as therapy dogs.
Crystal has scored a groundbreaking collaboration with world-renowned chefs Massimiliano Alajmo— the youngest chef ever to be awarded three Michelin stars– and his equally talented brother Raffaele, to bring their unparalleled expertise to specialty dining venue Osteria d’Ovidio on both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.
You might have heard this week that Oasis is getting back together – 15 years after the battling brothers Gallagher busted up, seemingly for good after years of sometimes amusing/ sometimes just-plain-nuts escapades by and between Liam and Noel that continually suggested that real life was quite the opposite of the band’s name.
Flair Airlines says it is looking for partners to inject fresh capital into the discount carrier in order to “restructure” its finances and build out its fleet. Eric Tanner, VP of revenue management and network planning, said the company is hoping for partners to buy into the business as a way to deal with pandemic-era debt and allow the company to acquire jets beyond the 20 planes it now flies.
Travel is showing no signs of slowing for risk averse travellers who are motivated by the adoption of a YOLO (You Only Live Once) appreciation for life (43%) coupled with having more money and time (31%) available to dedicate to their travel plans, according to the Summer 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.
As Maui continues to rebuild after last year’s devastating wildfires, the island continues to welcome back visitors. While some parts of Lahaina have yet to reopen, several restaurants, businesses and activities, such as returning festivals, in Lahaina have resumed operations. And to encourage visitors, Hawaii Tourism has launched a new destination campaign with special discount offers for visitors.
Weather-related travel issues it seems are becoming more frequent. Even if a traveller’s destination isn’t impacted by a weather event, it can still cause a ripple-effect at airports across Canada. Travellers have rights under the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Air Passenger Protection regulations, including assistance and refunds for delays and cancellations – but importantly, this does not apply to situations outside the airline’s control, like weather.
Skal Toronto and Toronto North celebrated 68 years of golfing together yesterday (Wednesday) – and prominent Skal member Thom Vincent has been around for all of them, joked Toronto chapter president Sue Webb.
Princess Cruises is planning its biggest summer Caribbean cruise season ever in 2026, with two ships – Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess – sailing to all areas of the region for the first time ever. Now available for booking, clients can choose from over 90 voyages sailing from Ft. Lauderdale/Port Everglades and Port Canaveral respectively.
Air Canada says that “more than sufficient time” remains to settle outstanding issues with its pilots, who are in a legal strike position as of Sept. 17. However, the carrier is still preparing for the worst by introducing a “goodwill rebooking policy” for customers who are scheduled to travel between Sept. 15 and 23.
WestJet is renewing and expanding its distribution agreement with Amadeus, continuing to make all its fare options – along with merchandising capabilities – easy to book for travel advisors. Moreover, the carrier says all of its future NDC-based offerings will be available on the Amadeus Travel Platform.
Besides critical education and networking opportunities, ACTA says travel agents attending its Fall summits will have an opportunity to win a host of great prizes from sponsors, including grand prizes featuring Air Canada, Riverside Luxury Cruises, CroisiEurope Cruises, AeroMexico and more.
Globus family of brands is expanding its Canadian sales team, hiring travel industry veteran Gina Goranson and sales professional Elaine French as business development managers (BDMs) for Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland as well as Southwest Ontario, respectively.
Following the launch of its first Icon-class vessel Icon of the Seas in January, Royal Caribbean Group has ordered another ship in the class, with further options to build two more. The fourth Icon Class vessel, to be built in Finland, is scheduled for delivery to Royal Caribbean International in 2027.